We were looking for something a little different in downtown Bakersfield. We heard good things…read moreabout this place with the name gringos can't pronounce. ;) When I asked the server about the name, she said she thought it was a city in El Salvador. Later, because I needed to find out, I turned to Google and discovered that the name is reserved for the older generations of Salvadorans. I took this to mean it was more traditional Salvadoran food. It is a simple dining area with an open layout. Our server came out quickly, but because we needed more time with the menu, we asked her to come back. That took a while. The food was good and the portion sizes were ample. I had the Pachuga de crema. It comes with rice and beans. The beans had a different, thinner texture. I had some of the salsa to add a bit of flavor. Everyone at our table ordered something different. Everyone enjoyed their food. If you're looking for Mexican food, but want something a little different, try El Cuscatleco.

Pupusas anyone??…read more You can either eat inside or order to pickup. I love calling this place for a quick bite for lunch. Wait time on a slow day 10-15 mins and 20/30 Mins on a busy day. Ambience: Central America .. vacation near by the Pacific Ocean with some palm trees just missing a piña colada Price: moderate 4/5 Customer service: moderate 4/5 Do I recommend: yes I do

This place is delicious and reminds me of eating at my mom's house. Absolutely delicious and 1000%…read morerecommended if you want to try some authentic Salvadoran food this is your place. Service is wonderful with staff always willing to provide recommendations if you are unfamiliar with the cuisine. The area is a little suspect but I promise it's worth you to stop and enjoy some amazing Salvadoran food. Food that is kind of a rarity in the Central Valley. Salud

This place is a true diamond in the rough! It's in a completely unassuming strip of shops between a…read moremassage parlor and a tax prep service, but it has everything you could ever want in a pupuseria. The staff is a very friendly bunch of baddies who are a complete delight. The photos don't do the place justice. Everything was hot and so fresh and flavorful. I can't wait to return.

I have no pictures on this location of the food but I can say I followed them from when they were…read morelocated by Edison hwy. This place is small but don't let that stop you from trying some authentic cuisine. My go to is the chicken soup that is served with tortillas, rice and salad. I'm always greeted with a smile and they have daily lunch specials .

FUN FACT: El Pulgarcito literally translates to "the little thumb" in English, which affectionately…read morerefers to El Salvador being the little thumb (smallest country) of the Americas. I first discovered El Pulgarcito on an overnight stay in Bakersfield while driving from Southern Nevada to Northern California. The food and service were so exceptional that I intentionally took another route through Bakersfield on the way home to eat here again. The woman working the front of the house in the restaurant's intimate space was thrilled to see me again and warmly welcomed me back like I was family. Her English is just as limited as my Spanish, so unfortunately, there was more of a language barrier the second time around because I simply wanted a bowl of chicken soup, which I requested as "Quiero sopa de pollo." She then asked me a series of questions I didn't fully understand, and I ended up with more food than I anticipated. Since I'm a pretty adventurous person who welcomes new experiences, I just pivoted to embrace the moment and enjoy my chicken platter. It was actually quite scrumptious! Food: 5 Stars Service: 5 Stars Ambiance: 3 Stars Note: I lived a combined 10 years in Baltimore and Washington, DC, home to the nation's second largest Salvadoran population. I used to eat pupusas quite regularly when I lived in the DMV. These pupusas were made with rice flour, and I can confidently say the pupusa and slaw combo here are without a doubt the best I've ever had! I even ordered one pupusa with a cheese and shredded zucchini filling, and I might have to find an excuse to take a day trip to Bakersfield again soon to get another order!!! :)

Sooooo good…read more Stopped by for pupusas and they were incredible!! Will absolutely be back. The food was so fresh and tasty, really affordable, and came with incredibly big portions of salad and sauce. We came late in the evening and were the only guests, but the service was quick and the music was very catchy, and we had a great time. This is a new favorite in town for sure!!

Came back for more tamales, which were super delicious. Adding pictures of the menu and interior.read more

I've been here multiple times mostly great experiences. Aside from the fact that they were already…read moreexpensive , today there was a small roach/ bug in a tamale I purchased.

Food was not bad but the pupusas we got took about 35 minutes to come out which felt very long for…read morethe establishment being almost empty the server never offered us chips and salsa like the other tables or water never bothered to check up on us had to even ask for a spoon to get the curtido usually Hispanic restaurants are very friendly didn't get that vibe here don't think I would return

Food options and service were good, the place felt very authentic. highly recommend! I really liked…read morethe soup and carne con salsa roja

First let me say this place is a true hidden gem when it comes to traditional flavors . From El…read moreSalvador to Mexican the combination ... service is great ,the place is clean with light music playing in the background kinda reminds you of Home ..Aguas Fresca are made fresh daily, an the sweet corn Tamale are delicious.. We had the gorditas .and just so you know they are a good size not small at all packed with meat or chicharon man they are delicious! Thank u an I'll see u again !

Delicious food and a great atmosphere! If you are looking…read morefor some authentic and awesome food, this is the place.

Food is not authentic Salvadoran pupusas are in good size but ingredients are not fresh beans are…read morenot Salvadoran and curtido you can taste is not fresh if you are hungry and don't have gas to go other places take the risk.

The pupusas are delicious here but $3.75 for each one is a bit pricey & they don't have any…read morespecials for them. They have lunch specials I'm sure there good plates but let's be honest, I'm here for the pupusas $75 dollars later. I went home to eat and I must say again they were delicious Do I recommend them: sure Will I come back: maybe, unless they promote those pupusas for a special deal. Service all servers were very friendly Ambiance was decorated as Latin style restaurants 6/10

Do not eat here , you will get sick . Cooking staff has poor sanitation standards. We purchased…read morefood to go , pupusas and atol de elote. The atol was almost cold but what we found at the bottom of the cup was the worst. A mix of different vegetables tomato , carrot , and a big black hair . I immediately called and informed them of this. I drove back and showed it to the staff which left them speechless. You cannot charge what you charge only to serve dirty food . I wouldn't normally complain or even drive back but in this case I had to . The picture is of the staff giving me a refund .

Please see Google Reviews!!! My review is too long to type up again, but in a nutshell, I'd give…read morethis place 0, or negative, stars if I could. Staff is friendly, that's pretty much their only quality. Last time I was there, their fruit salad drink had began the fermentation process, because of the pineapple in it. It literally had become an alcoholic beverage. I can still smell and taste it! Also, the owner has been threatning me, because his star review has gone down due to my one-star score. Food is mediocre, sanitary practices are non-existant, and service is good, at least to your face. I've heard the waitresses say horrible things about non-tipping patrons, and even about their regular customers who choose not to tip for takeout orders. I wouldn't go back, even if they paid me, and it's sad, because my husband and I had our wedding reception there almost five years ago. They screwed us over with what they claimed was our guests' alcohol consumption that day. The owners and some of the staff are NOT decent human beings.

Good food and great customer service. Try the bailadas and the pollo con tajadas, they are the best…read morein Bakersfield.

We were greeted immediately and provided chips and salsa as we waited for our order. The pupusas…read moreare stuffed generously with cheese and so delicious. For the Majahual Especial, we most appreciated how the yucca is fried in such a way it isn't too dry, and the fried plantain was also caramelized and packed with flavor. It came with a little peice of what was probably salvadorean queso fresco which was light, crumbly, and paired very well with the other components. The hot sauce is not very spicy, but delicious when eaten with any of the dishes. Price point is excellent for the flavor and serving size.

Let me start by saying this humble little place has really good food. If you're craving some good…read morepupusas don't look any further. Pupusas are mouthwatering , best I've had in town. There's a lot variety in the menu, a lot of delicious options to choose from, even sea food. I definitely recommend this hidden gem, can't go wrong with the food and great service!